Senior education program

The University of Minnesota provides senior citizens with opportunities in higher education. The Senior Citizen Education Program (SCEP) is part of a Minnesota state statute that applies to all state-supported institutions of higher education in Minnesota. Minnesota residents who are aged 62 or older may enroll in courses at the University for reduced costs, either to audit or earn college credit.

Eligibility

To receive SCEP reduced tuition benefits, you must be a Minnesota resident aged 62 or older before the start of the term for which you are registering. You may be eligible at age 60 if you have a railroad retirement annuity.

At your initial registration for classes, you will need to provide identification to verify your age, Minnesota residency, and (if applicable) railroad retirement annuity. This documentation can be scanned and emailed to [email protected]. Some acceptable documents include:

  • Minnesota driver’s license
  • Minnesota state ID
  • Minnesota tribal identification card
  • Birth certificate (verifies age only)
  • Passport (verifies age only)

Cost

If you meet the residency and age requirements of the SCEP, you may audit courses free of charge, or take classes for credit at $10 per credit. This applies whether you are degree-seeking, or non-degree. Whether you audit or earn credits for a class, you are responsible to pay any required laboratory, material, or course fees. Fees vary by course.

Please note that if you are enrolled into SCEP, you will be ineligible for the Student Health Benefit Plan. Please contact the Office of Student Health Benefits if you have questions.

Admissions and registration

You can take classes as degree-seeking or as a guest student. Visit Admissions for more information to review your options.

Cancel your enrollment

You can receive a 100% refund if you cancel a class during the first three weeks of the term. After the first three weeks of the term, no refunds are issued. Cancel or drop the class online, in MyU.